TV programmes made in Birmingham: Fifth Gear - Birmingham Mail What's On TV programmes made in Birmingham: Fifth Gear Motoring programme was originally recorded in Birmingham, as was the original series of the BBC's rival show Top Gear Share Fifth Gear, with presenter Tim Shaw, was at one time filmed partly in Birmingham studios Share Get What's On updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email TV motoring programme Fifth Gear was made in Birmingham, as was the original series of the BBC's rival show Top Gear. Fifth Gear was shown on Channel 5 from 2002 to 2011 and moved to Discovery in 2012. It was launched a year after Top Gear had been cancelled by the BBC. It featured many former Top Gear presenters including Tiff Needell, Quentin Willson and Vicki Butler-Henderson and was produced by Top Gear’s Jon Bentley. Production company Chrysalis Television initially recorded Fifth Gear’s link segments in studios at Broad Street, Birmingham, where Heart FM was also based at the time.

After Chrysalis sold its TV division, filming for Fifth Gear was done at Ace Cafe, London, followed by Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire and then various other locations. The current presenters are Tiff Needell, Vicki Butler-Henderson, Jason Plato and Jonny Smith. The BBC’s rival show Top Gear was also originally made in Birmingham. Top Gear was produced at Pebble Mill as a monthly series broadcast only to Midlands viewers. The first edition of Top Gear aired on April 22, 1977, on BBC1 Midlands, with Angela Rippon and Midlands Today newsreader Tom Coyne as presenters. In that first programme, Angela Rippon drove from Shepherd Bush to the Pebble Mill studios, reporting on driving conditions en route and this developed into a regular feature called Rippon On The Road. Broadcast on BBC2, Top Gear was cancelled in 2001 and then revived in 2002 in a new format presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. This version of the programme is recorded in a hangar at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Waverley, Surrey, with a racing circuit created on part of the aerodrome's land.

Like us on Facebook History of Top Gear | Top Gear Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia History of Top Gear Share 1977 The original Top Gear started as a monthly television series produced by BBC Midlands, based at Pebble Mill. The 30-minute programmes had a magazine format and were transmitted to viewers in the Midlands region only. Top Gear and its title were conceived by executive producer Derek Smith .The programme covered motoring-related issues such as new car road tests, fuel economy, safety, the police, speeding, insurance, second-hand cars and holiday touring. The first programme was broadcast on 22 April 1977, on BBC 1 Midlands at 10:15pm. It was presented by Angela Rippon and Tom Coyne, who was front man of the local evening news programme, Midlands Today. In the first edition, Angela Rippon drove from Shepherd's Bush in London, to the Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham, reporting on driving conditions en route. Other items covered in the first programme were speed traps, fuel economy, strange new road signs and an interview with the transport minister. There were nine programmes in that initial series.

Demise and relaunch[edit] Edit Following many well-known presenters' departure in 1999/2000 the Top Gear audience fell from a peak of six million to under three million.Following Clarkson's departure in 2001, the programme was jointly presented by Quentin Willson and Kate Humble, who ran an ongoing test throughout the programme between reports. Brendan Coogan (who had joined in 1998), left the show a year later after being convicted of drink driving.In 2000, Jason Barlow, from Channel 4's Driven, joined the existing line-up for the final 53 episodes.[12] The programme ran almost continuously between September 2000 and October 2001, and despite regularly being the most watched show on BBC Two, the channel decided the format needed to be dramatically refreshed. However, a Top Gear special with Jason Barlow being the only remaining presenter—Vicki Butler-Henderson, Tiff Needell and Adrian Simpson having moved to Fifth Gear—was broadcast in 2002 with coverage of the 2002 Birmingham Motorshow from the NEC.

In 2001 the show was cancelled by BBC bosses in London only to be relaunched in a new one-hour-long, studio-based format made by the BBC in London one year later. Meanwhile, in 2002, Channel 5 launched Fifth Gear, a car show featuring many of the former Top Gear presenters including Tiff Needell, Quentin Willson and Vicki Butler-Henderson. The show was produced by former Top Gear producer Jon Bentley. While most of the production team moved from the BBC to Channel 5 to create Fifth Gear, Jason Barlow was still under contract to the BBC and went on to front the new programme Wrong Car, Right Car, which ran for two series and 23 episodes. The name change to Fifth Gear was required as the BBC would not relinquish the rights to the Top Gear name (the corporation was publishing Top Gear magazine).[13] After the first series of Fifth Gear was completed, the BBC decided to relaunch Top Gear, but in a new studio-based format as opposed to the magazine format used until the cancellation. The idea came from producer Andy Wilman and Jeremy Clarkson, who presented the relaunched show with Richard Hammond and Jason Dawe.

James May replaced Dawe from the second series onwards of the current format. The pre-cancellation show is referred to as "Old Top Gear" when mentioned on the new show due to the differences in style. since a relaunch in 2002, it has developed a quirky, humorous and sometimes controversial style. Former main host, Jeremy Clarkson, was informed by the BBC on 25 March 2015 that his contract would not be renewed Following Clarkson's departure, his former co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May and executive producer Andy Wilman announced that they would not return to the show without him.The show has also featured at least three different test drivers known as "The Stig". On 16 June 2015 Chris Evans was confirmed as the new lead host,[9]whilst open auditions will be held to cast his co-presenters. BBC One London - 2 December 1977 - BBC Genome : Countdown to the Festival Introduced by Tristan Fry Several hundred musical festivals are held annually in Great Britain. For the people who take part in them (and for many of their families) it is the highlight of the year.

This series examines the hopes, the fears, the enthusiasms, and the grinding hard work of five groups of children throughout Britain as they start the ' countdown to their festival '. 2: The Concert with ANDREW COLE , euphonium player for a Salvation Army band in Southampton An important concert has been scheduled, and Andrew's band has been invited to take part. Film cameraman ROGER TWYMAN Film editor ROY DEVERELL Producer CLIVE doig Contributors JOHN STAPLETON and BOB WELLINGS Including at 6.45* Sportswide with Desmond Lynam Nationwide editor JOHN GAU Contributors Presented By: Frank Bough Presented By: Sue Lawley Presented By: Valerie Singleton Unknown: John Stapleton Unknown: Bob Wellings Unknown: Desmond Lynam Editor: John Gau 19.00 Life with Tom and Smarty Cat 19.15 A season of the classic films starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson. Tonight also starring Ida Lupino and George Zucco. The famous detective meets the arch-criminal who is to become his most formidable adversary. Professor Moriarty warns Holmes that he intends to accomplish the super-crime of the century.

Based on the play Sherlock Holmes by WILLIAM GILLETTE Directed by ALFRED WERKER Films: page 10 Contributors Unknown: Ida Lupino Unknown: George Zucco Unknown: Sherlock Holmes Unknown: William Gillette Directed By: Alfred Werker Sherlock Holmes: Basil Rathbone Dr Watson: Nigel Bruce Ann Brandon: Ida Lupino Jerrold Hunter: Alan Marshal Billy: Terry Kilburn Professor Moriarty: George Zucco Sir Ronald Ramsgate: Henry Stephenson Inspector Bristol: E E Clive Bassick: Arthur Hohl Mrs Jameson: May Beatty Lloyd Brandon: Peter Willes Mrs Hudson: Mary Gordon 20.35 by JOHN ESMONDE andBOB LARBEY starring Richard Briers and Michael Gambon Ralph and Brian fall out but Ralph finds a new friend.

Cast in order of appearance Music by RONNIE HAZLEHURST Designer CYNTHIA KLJUCO Producer JOHN HOWARD DAVIES Contributors Unknown: John Esmonde Unknown: Bob Larbey Unknown: Richard Briers Unknown: Michael Gambon Music By: Ronnie Hazlehurst Designer: Cynthia Kljuco Producer: John Howard Davies Ralph: Richard Briers Brian: Michael Gambon Bar owner: Carl Duker Manolo: Michael Chesden Fred: Martin Read Hotel manager: John Bryans Tufnell: Tom Chadbon 21.00 : Regional programmes LONDON Tonight: current affairs SOUTH WEST Peninsula: Zodiac and Co. JAN LEEMING introduces two guests, known to the viewer, but not the panel, and COLIN WILSON talks about the mystery of the multiple personality. WEST Jazz on the Quay: THE AVON CITIES jazz BAND. The second of two open-air concerts recorded in King Street, Bristol. Special guest: SAMMI BROWN SOUTH It's Your Bid: the antique game With BERNARD PRICE, SHEILA TRACY and a panel of buyers and experts.

MIDLANDS Top Gear: a monthly series for the road-user with ANGELA RIPPON and TOM COYNE EAST On Camera: In the Country. DAVID RICHARDSON visits a turkey farm; TED ELLIS'S Nature Postbag; students at the Suffolk Horticultural Institute prepare for Christmas; and children at Scole village school entertain with carols. NORTH Politics North; including My Week by STANLEY CROWTHER, MP. Parliamentary Review - ANDREW ALEXANDER of the Daily Mail, and this week's film special - Home for the Weekend: JOHN PRESCOTT, MP, member of the European Parliament. Introduced by BRIAN MORRIS. NORTH EAST Friday North: MIKE NEVILLE meets singing brothers BOB AND ALF PEARSON. NORTH WEST Home Ground: Each week. BRIAN REDHEAD and FRANK MELLOR meet inhabitants of the North West. Contributors Introduces: Jan Leeming Introduces: Colin Wilson Unknown: Sammi Brown Unknown: Sheila Tracy Unknown: Angela Rippon Unknown: Tom Coyne Unknown: David Richardson Unknown: Andrew Alexander Unknown: John Prescott Introduced By: Brian Morris.

Unknown: Mike Nev Unknown: Brian Redhead Unknown: Frank Mellor Blog post that mentions this programme: programme records About this project This site contains the BBC listings information which the BBC printed in Radio Times between 1923 and 2009. You can search the site for BBC programmes, people, dates and Radio Times editions. We hope it helps you find that long forgotten BBC programme, research a particular person or browse your own involvement with the BBC. Through the listings, you will also be able to find thousands of radio and TV programmes that are already available to view or listen to on the BBC website. This is a historical record of both the planned output and the BBC services of any given time. It should be viewed in this context and with the understanding that it reflects the attitudes and standards of its time - not those of today. Find out more Welcome to BBC Genome Genome is a digitised version of the Radio Times from 1923 to 2009 and is made available for internal research purposes only. You will need to obtain the relevant third party permissions for any other use, including use in programmes, online etc.

This internal version of Genome, which includes all the magazine covers, PDF downloads, images and articles as well as the programme listings from the Radio Times, is different to the version of Genome that is available externally/to the public. Please do not share this internal version of Genome, or any part of it, with anyone external. For rights reasons, external users may only have access to the Radio Times listings, which will be available in the external version of Genome. Your use of this version of Genome is covered by the BBC Acceptable Use of Information Systems Policy and these terms. Please tick to indicate that you understand the above and agree not to share any material from this version of Genome externally. OK The Amazo Effect: Cars & Music - Old Top Gear 20 September 2013 Cars & Music - Old Top Gear NB - Other than this paragraph, we will make no mention of 'new' Top Gear; i.e. the series with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Purely because we'll be here all day ripping the p**s out of it. So from now on, 'Old Top Gear' is (mostly) referred to just as Top Gear.

- Amazosan The original Top Gear started in 1977 as a monthly 30 minute TV series produced by BBC Midlands, based at Pebble Mill and broadcast in the Midlands region only. It replaced an almost-forgotten series called Wheelbase that was part motoring programme, part motorsports round-up. Top Gear was a more prim and proper series than you might expect; it covered not only new car road tests but other motoring-related issues such as fuel economy, safety, the police, speeding, insurance, second-hand cars and holiday touring. It was presented by Angela Rippon and Tom Coyne, who was front man of the local evening news programme, Midlands Today. In the first edition, Angela Rippon drove from Shepherd Bush in London, to the Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham, reporting on driving conditions en route. Other items covered in the first programme were speed traps, fuel economy, strange new road signs and an interview with the Transport Minister; all heady stuff for 1977.

The Man, The Legend, THE POSE But the evolution of Top Gear into the programme it is remembered for really started with the second series in 1978, when it was broadcast nationwide and became a weekly 30 minute BBC2 programme. Angela Rippon remained in the presenting line-up, but joined by Noel Edmonds and the man, the legend, the progenitor for the wacky craze of standing with one foot on the front of your car and looking studious, one Mr William Woollard. There were a host of co-presenters included Barrie Gill, Sue Baker, Frank Page, Judith Jackson, and that other pillar of TG, Chris Goffey. 'The build quality is so bad I'm having to hold the windscreen in' Features in the new series included: Rippon On The Road, driver training, MOTs, holiday rush traffic, up and coming rally drivers, rust and corrosion, tachographs in lorries and the Le Mans 24 Hours race. The Top Gear team was also responsible for a number of other special programmes including coverage of the bi-annual British Motor Show, London Motorfair, and the Lombard RAC Rally.

Its coverage of rallying was the only sport not controlled by BBC Sport in London for many years. Gangster-style Woolarding In 1987 new presenters were added including a former F1 driver called Tiff Needell, Tom Boswell, Tony Mason and then-Performance Car Magazine scribe Jeremy Clarkson in late 1988 and the programme saw a massive boost in its audience as it became a more humorous, controversial, and unashamedly more critical show. Despite enduring criticism that the show was overly macho, encouraged irresponsible driving behaviour and ignored the environment, the show pulled in huge audiences becoming BBC2's Top viewed programme with audiences over 5 million from 1988. Remember, this is the original Top Gear we're talking about. 'Can you get that old Honda out of shot please' Would you buy a used car from this man? Er... It became hugely influential with motor manufacturers, since a critical word from the Top Gear team could have a severe negative effect on sales, such as Clarkson's remarkds about the Vauxhall Vectra, effective damning it as 'just a box on wheels', a comment that has stuck about the car ever since.

In 1991, the mood of the show changed again; William Woollard left and around the same time, Quentin Willson, a former used car salesman, joined the team. The 90's also saw the addition of Steve Berry, whose speciality was motorbikes (and being vaguely annoying) and racing driver Vicki Butler-Henderson (who more than made up for having to endure Steve Berry). Sorry, did I say vaguely annoying? It's a little-known fact that Jeremy Clarkson was Ray Doyle's stunt double in The Professionals She made a one-off appearance in 1994, and started presenting the show full time from 1997. But following many well-known presenters' departure in 1999 & 2000, ratings fell from a peak of six million to under three million. Initially, James May took over Clarkson's spot, and a number of changes were made to the presenting line-up. But despite regularly being the most watched show on BBC2, the channel decided the format needed to be dramatically refreshed. In 2001 the show was cancelled by the BBC to be relaunched in the one-hour-long, studio-based format thats currently shown.

I really can't see why mean get all hot & bothered about Vicki Butler-Henderson Nope, still don't see it Still don't get it-ah. But to many, the most enduring memory is the theme music. The show's opening theme music from the very first programme in 1977, was The Allman Brothers Band instrumental Jessica, from their 1973 album Brothers and Sisters (although remixed versions were used on the show after 1999). For much of the original series' lifespan, Elton John's instrumental Out Of The Blue from the 1976 Blue Moves album played over the closing credits. The opening and closing titles music were suggested to Executive Producer Derek Smith by his son, Graham who had the two albums at home. 'And tonight on Top Gear, Chris Goffey tests the new Fiat Uno, while William Woollard goes to Switzerland to report on the Geneva Motor Show and pose with one foot on the slam panel of some new cars.' 'And on next week's Top Gear, Chris Goffey compares the Austin Ambassador with the new Ford Sierra while William Woollard flies to Tuscany to pose against the slam panel of some new Italian exotic.

Waitaminute, why does he get all of the plum assignments?' Posted by BBC One London - 15 November 1977 - BBC Genome : Animal Magic A series of 13 programmes with Johnny Morris back on the air with news and information from the world of wildlife. The wings of a humming bird can beat 80 times a second. Johnny discovers how to photograph them so that they aren't blurred. Tony Soper takes to the sea off Cornwall in search of ' Beaky ', the wild dolphin. In the end, it's 1 Beaky ' who finds Tony! A new weekly Pets' Spot asks, do we really know how to care for our pets? This week, top zoo vet David Taylor looks at the right and the wrong way to keep a dog or puppy. Later in the series, everything from kittens to tadpoles! There's the result of our wildlife sound recording competition and a new co-star for Johnny - a baby giraffe! Producer MIKE BEYNON BBC Bristol Contributors Look North, South Today Look East, Midlands Today Points West, Spotlight South West present news and views in your region tonight.

Then at 6.20 Television's most popular current affairs magazine programme presented live each weekday evening by FRANK BOUGH , SUE LAWLEY, VALERIE SINGLETON , JOHN STAPLETON and BOB WELLINGS with contributions from BBC studios throughout the country. Also, from far and near, the programme's team of reporters, LUKE CASEY, KEVIN COSGROVE , BERNARD FALK , DIANE HARRON , JAMES HOGG , PATRICK STENSON and MARTIN YOUNG bring you films and features that reflect life Nationwide. Contributors Unknown: Frank Bough Unknown: Valerie Singleton Unknown: Bob Wellings Unknown: Kevin Cosgrove Unknown: Bernard Falk Unknown: Diane Harron Unknown: James Hogg Unknown: Patrick Stenson 18.40 LONDON One More Time! A non-stop sequence of familiar tunes. SOUTH WEST Peninsula: The Nov 15 Show - a unique programme of unusual and exciting music. WEST A Family of Strangers: The first of two programmes showing how family life varies from place to place. 1: A Pakistani family in Bristol SOUTH In Our Own Time: Saving Chichester Harbour.

The second of two films on beautiful yachting waters. MARTIN MUNCASTER visits Thorney Island and sails to Itchenor for their Golden Jubilee Regatta. MIDLANDS Top Gear: with JUDITH JACKSON and TOM COYNE. A monthly series for road-users. EAST Spot On! with IAN MASTERS, BIDDY MASSEN and PAUL THOMPSON. Including the results of the Design-a-Poster Contest. NORTH Beneath the Pennines: Award-winning cameraman SID PEROU , penetrates a mysterious world, where television has never been before-Alum Pot. NORTH EAST Tuesday North: Looks Natural. Another edition of the series about Northern countryside and wildlife, With PETER EVANS , TOM DUNN and TONY TYNAN. Introduced by TOM KILGOUR. NORTH WEST We'll Call You: STUART HALL introduces some of the North West's up-and-coming entertainers. Contributors Unknown: Martin Muncaster Unknown: Judith Jackson Unknown: Tom Coyne Unknown: Biddy Massen Unknown: Paul Thompson Unknown: Sid Perou Unknown: Peter Evans Unknown: Tom Dunn Unknown: Tony Tynan.

Introduced By: Tom Kilgour Introduces: Stuart Hall 19.10 The adventures of a pioneer family on their way to a new life in the old West. Starring Rod Taylor as Evan Thorpe with The Trapper's Rendezvous As the wagon train heads towards the foothills, Luther Sprague becomes edgy. In fact, there is good reason for the scout to be apprehensive with the huge shape of mountain man Lemus Harker , surveying him unseen through a spy-glass. Contributors Unknown: Rod Taylor Unknown: Evan Thorpe Unknown: Luther Sprague Unknown: Lemus Harker Margaret Devlin: Darleen Carr Luther Sprague: Charles Napier 20.00 : It Ain't Half Hot Mum by JIMMY PERRY and DAVID CROFT starring and Puddings from Heaven The Concert Party contrive to organise a supply air drop near the village. They receive two cases of Christmas puddings.

Featuring and Designer BRYAN ELLIS Studio director RAY BUTT Producer DAVID CROFT Contributors Unknown: Jimmy Perry Unknown: David Croft Designer: Bryan Ellis Producer: David Croft Rangi Ram: Michael Bates BSM Williams: Windsor Davies Bdr Beaumont: Melvyn Hayes Gnr Sugden: Don Estelle Donald Hewlett at: Col Reynolds Capt Ashwood: Michael Knowles Major Nangle: Jonathan Cecil Capt Bishop: Robert Gillespie Gnr Parkins: Christopher Mitchell Gnr Graham: John Clegg Gnr Mackintosh: Stuart McGugan Char Wallah: Dino Shafeek Punka Wallah: Babar Bhatti Gnr Evans: Mike Kinsey Gnr Clark: Kenneth MacDonald Military Police Captain: James Taylor Indian trader: Ishaq Bux Dhobi Wallah: Saad Ghazi 20.30 : Mastermind with Magnus Magnusson Bradford University is the location for this final match of the first round heats. With this result, 12 heat winners will be known. These, together with the four best heat runners-up, move forward into the semi-final round.

Contenders: SUE CLARK, teacher King Richard III IAN LISTER , computer engineer The Life of Captain William Bligh BOB HESKETH , taxi driver Shakespeare's English Kings PETER RICHARDSON production manager Life and Work of George Stephenson Director PETER MASSEY Producer BILL WRIGHT Contributors Unknown: King Richard Iii Unknown: Ian Lister Unknown: Captain William Bligh Unknown: Bob Hesketh Unknown: Peter Richardson Unknown: George Stephenson Director: Peter Massey Producer: Bill Wright 21.00 : Play for Today Nipper by BARRIE KEEFFE His Dad 's dead, his Mum's a tart, and 13-year-old Jimmy finds it hard to keep on the right side of the Law.

= = = Sound TONY MILLIER Lighting PETER CATLETT Designer CHRIS PEMSEL Producer MARGARET MATHESON Director BRIAN FARNHAM Contributors Unknown: Barrie Keeffe Unknown: His Dad Unknown: Peter Catlett Designer: Chris Pemsel Producer: Margaret Matheson Director: Brian Farnham Jean: Coral Atkins Vera: Carole Harrison Vi: Helen Keating Grandad: Frederick Radley Grandma: Betty Hardy Jimmy: John Fowler Jane: Alexis Walker Clare: Kellie Byrne Alfie: George Innes First policeman at Southend: Maurice O'Connell Police Doctor: Emrys Leyshon Second policeman at Southend: Michael Harley Police Sergeant: Dominic Allan Kevin: Peter Hugo Daly Billy: Stuart Wilde Mac: Chris Gannon Tom: Michael Stainton Plain-clothes policeman: Oliver Smith Tramp: John Dearth Police at lorry yard: Stewart Harwood Police at lorry yard: Steve Devereaux Magistrate: John Bryans June: Gillian Rhind Policeman in probation office: Garry McDermott Policeman at accident: Michael Watkins 22.50 Introduced by DENIS TUOHY Including News Headlines Film producer ROGER BOLTON Producer JACK SALTMAN Editor

 MIKE TOWNSON Contributors programme records About this project This site contains the BBC listings information which the BBC printed in Radio Times between 1923 and 2009.

You can search the site for BBC programmes, people, dates and Radio Times editions. We hope it helps you find that long forgotten BBC programme, research a particular person or browse your own involvement with the BBC. Through the listings, you will also be able to find thousands of radio and TV programmes that are already available to view or listen to on the BBC website. This is a historical record of both the planned output and the BBC services of any given time. It should be viewed in this context and with the understanding that it reflects the attitudes and standards of its time - not those of today. Find out more Welcome to BBC Genome Genome is a digitised version of the Radio Times from 1923 to 2009 and is made available for internal research purposes only. You will need to obtain the relevant third party permissions for any other use, including use in programmes, online etc. This internal version of Genome, which includes all the magazine covers, PDF downloads, images and articles as well as the programme listings from the Radio Times, is different to the version of Genome that is available externally/to the public. Please do not share this internal version of Genome, or any part of it, with anyone external.

For rights reasons, external users may only have access to the Radio Times listings, which will be available in the external version of Genome. Your use of this version of Genome is covered by the BBC Acceptable Use of Information Systems Policy and these terms. Please tick to indicate that you understand the above and agree not to share any material from this version of Genome externally. OK Top Gear (original format) | Project Gutenberg Self-Publishing - eBooks | Read eBooks online Top Gear (original format) For the current format, see Top Gear (2002 TV series) . Top Gear Out Of The Blue (from Blue Moves ) - Elton John Country of origin Originally PAL , later 720×576 (1998–2001) anamorphic 16:9, pre-1998 4:3) Original run April 22, 1977 (1977-04-22) – December 17, 2001 (2001-12-17) Chronology Top Gear is an automotive show starting in the 1970s, on BBC in the United Kingdom .

It was long-lived, and followed by a revamped format starting in 2002, as well as a number of spin-offs, including an entirely US-based version. Contents History 1977 The original Top Gear started as a monthly television series produced by BBC Midlands , based at Pebble Mill. The 30 minute programmes had a magazine format and were transmitted to viewers in the Midlands region only. Top Gear and its title, was conceived by Executive Producer Derek Smith. The programme covered motoring related issues such as new car road tests, fuel economy, safety, the police, speeding, insurance, second-hand cars and holiday touring. The first programme was broadcast on April 22, 1977, on BBC 1 Midlands at 2215. [2] [3] It was presented by Angela Rippon and Tom Coyne, who was front man of the local evening news programme, Midlands Today. In the first edition, Angela Rippon drove from Shepherd Bush in London, to the Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham, reporting on driving conditions en route. Other items covered in the first programme were speed traps, fuel economy, strange new road signs and an interview with the Transport Minister.

There were nine programmes in that initial series. 1978 The BBC network took Top Gear [4] [5] and it became a weekly 30 minute BBC2 programme on July 13. 1978. Derek Smith remained as Executive Producer, as did Angela Rippon as presenter. Other presenters were William Woollard and Noel Edmonds . Reporters or co-presenters included Barrie Gill, Sue Baker, Frank Page, Judith Jackson, and Chris Goffey . Producers Phil Franklin and Brian Strachan joined the team at this time. Features in the new series included: Rippon On The Road, driver training, MOTs , holiday rush traffic, up and coming rally drivers, rust and corrosion, tachographs in lorries and the Le Mans 24 Hours race. The Top Gear team was also responsible for a number of other special programmes including coverage of the bi-annual British Motor Show, London Motorfair, and the Lombard RAC Rally. Its coverage of rallying was the only sport not controlled by BBC Sport in London for many years.

The show's opening theme music from the very first programme in 1977, was The Allman Brothers Band instrumental Jessica from their 1973 album Brothers and Sisters (although remixed versions were used after 1999). For much of the original series' lifespan, Elton John 's instrumental "Out Of The Blue" from the 1976 Blue Moves album played over the closing credits. The opening and closing titles music were suggested to Executive Producer Derek Smith by his son, Graham who had the two albums at home. He played the tracks to his father and was asked to write down the details, so the tracks could be sourced from the BBC record library. After Producers Derek Smith, Phil Franklin and Brian Strachan left the programme, Dennis Adams, Jon Bentley and Ken Pollock were the main producers. Tom Ross was the Editor of the programme from 1986 till 1991. In 1987, Jon Bentley (more recently a presenter on Channel 5 TV show about technology, Gadget Show ) became one of the show's producers along with Ken Pollock.

In this period new presenters were added including former Formula One driver Tiff Needell , Tom Boswell , Tony Mason and Performance Car Magazine journalist Jeremy Clarkson in late 1988 [6] and the programme saw a massive boost in its audience as it became a more humorous, controversial, and unashamedly more critical show. Top Gear Rally Report followed the Lombard RAC Rally each November presented by William Woollard with Barrie Gill and Tony Mason among others. Between 1988 and 1991, the programme organised a competition each year to find a new rally driver with the prize being entry into that year's RAC Rally . [7] Despite enduring criticism that the show was overly macho, encouraged irresponsible driving behaviour [8] and ignored the environment, the show pulled in huge audiences becoming BBC2's Top viewed programme with audiences over 5 million from 1988. It became hugely influential with motor manufacturers, since a critical word from the Top Gear team could have a severe negative effect on sales. One such example is the original Vauxhall Vectra , of which Clarkson said, "I know it's the replacement for the Cavalier . I know.

But I'm telling you it's just a box on wheels." However, even more critical statements have not affected sales of the Toyota Corolla and extreme praise did not help the Renault Alpine GTA/A610 . In 1991, the then Editor Tom Ross and the main presenter William Woollard left the show. Around the same time, Quentin Willson , a former used car salesman, joined the team. The 1990s also saw the addition of a new female presenter, Michele Newman , who appeared on ITV 's Pulling Power . Other presenters included Steve Berry , whose speciality was motorbikes, and racing driver Vicki Butler-Henderson, who made a one-off appearance in 1994, and started presenting the show full time from 1997. Demise and relaunch Following many well-known presenters' departure in 1999/2000 the Top Gear audience fell from a peak of six million to under three million. Initially, James May took over Clarkson's spot, presenting reviews of the Rover 75 and Lexus IS200 , for example.

Following Clarkson's departure, the programme was jointly presented by Quentin Willson and Kate Humble , who ran an ongoing test throughout the programme between reports. Brendan Coogan (who had joined in 1998), left the show a year later after being convicted of drunk driving. [9] [10] In 2000, Jason Barlow joined from Channel 4 's driven , and joined the existing line-up for the final 53 episodes. [11] The programme ran almost continuously between September 2000 and October 2001, and despite regularly being the most watched show on BBC Two, the channel decided the format needed to be dramatically refreshed. However a Top Gear special with Jason Barlow being the only remaining presenter - Vicki Butler-Henderson, Tiff Needell and Adrian Simpson having moved to Fifth Gear— was broadcast in 2002 with coverage of the 2002 Birmingham Motorshow from the NEC. In 2001 the show was cancelled by BBC bosses in London only to be relaunched in a new one-hour-long, studio-based format made by the BBC in London one year later.

In 2002, Channel 5 launched Fifth Gear , a car show featuring many of the former Top Gear presenters including Tiff Needell, Quentin Willson and Vicki Butler-Henderson. The show was produced by former Top Gear producer, Jon Bentley. While most of the production team moved from the BBC to Channel 5 to create Fifth Gear, Jason Barlow was still under contract to the BBC and went on to front the new programme "Wrong Car, Right Car", which ran for two series and 23 episodes. The name change to "Fifth Gear" was required as the BBC would not relinquish the rights to the Top Gear name (the corporation was—and still is—publishing Top Gear magazine). [12] After the first series of Fifth Gear was completed, the BBC decided to relaunch Top Gear , but in a new studio-based format as opposed to the magazine format used until the cancellation. The idea came from producer Andy Wilman and Jeremy Clarkson , who presented the relaunched show with Richard Hammond and Jason Dawe . James May replaced Jason Dawe from the second series onwards of the current format.

The pre-cancellation show is referred to as "Old Top Gear" when mentioned on the new show due to the differences in style. Spin-offs Top Gear was a title sponsor of the 1987 and 1988 Formula One "Winter Series", the 1990 and 1991 Historic Rally Championships and the 1992 and 1993 British Rally Championships . [7] Due to the success of the main show, other motoring shows on the BBC also carried the Top Gear name including coverage of the British Motor Show , a show dedicated to motorsport, presented by Tiff Needell, Top Gear Motorsport and the Lombard RAC Rally highlights show, presented by William Woollard, Sue Baker and Tony Mason, Top Gear Rally Report . In September 1993, a spin-off magazine, Top Gear Magazine , was launched, featuring articles and columns from the presenters and additional contributors. The magazine has become the UK's best selling car magazine (as of August 2006). During the 1990s, Top Gear had a radio spin off, the Top Gear Radio Show, presented by Steve Berry , and available on BBC Radio Five Live .

[13] In 1991, when joyriding among British youths was at its peak, Top Gear featured a Joy Riding special. [14] It included an interview with Tyneside woman Joan McVittie, who was actively involved in campaigns against joyriding [15] after her 16-year-old son Mark Wren was killed when the stolen car in which he was passenger crashed in October 1990. The driver was Ian Carr, 15 at the time, who was subsequently sentenced to a year in youth custody for causing death by reckless driving. [16] Mrs McVittie continued her campaign against joyriding until her death from cancer in 2002. The killer driver, Ian Carr, was involved in a widely reported crime just months after Mrs McVittie died; on 31 December 2002, he was at the wheel of a stolen car which crashed into another car when jumping a red traffic light, fatally injuring a six-year-old girl and injuring her father and younger sister.

By this stage, Carr (still only 27) had amassed a total of 89 convictions, many of them from motoring offences, was subject to two lifelong driving bans (issued in Scotland ) and had only been released on licence from a prison sentence two months before the crash. [17] He was subsequently jailed for nine-and-a-half years - one of the heaviest prison sentences ever imposed in England and Wales for causing death by dangerous driving. [18] Since the early 1990s, the annual Top Gear J. D. Power Top 100 survey has consulted thousands of UK residents on their car-ownership satisfaction. For legal reasons concerning the non-commercial nature of the BBC, the actual consultation is now restricted to the magazine format, although the results are still used on the show. The survey is now conducted by Experian . The Top Gear video game , developed for the Super NES , was not associated with the BBC TV series and the BBC won a court case blocking its creators from obtaining a trademark for it.

[7] After Top Gear's success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a number of competing programmes were introduced, including Channel 4 's driven , ITV 's Pulling Power , Granada's Vroom Vroom and BBC World 's India's Wheels. Some of the presenters on Driven would go on to present Top Gear. Car of the Year 2001 – Toyota Picnic 2002 – Range Rover Note: The BMW Z3 M Coupé was voted "Driver's Car Of The Year", and the Mercedes-Benz S500 was voted "Executive Car Of The Year" for 2000. Car Survey From 1994, the magazine conducted a customer satisfaction survey that was published every April to reveal how satisfying certain cars were to own. The results were announced on the programme, though the full details were only included in the magazine. The Toyota Corolla was winner of the first four surveys, with the Subaru Impreza winning the survey in 1998 and 1999, and the Subaru Legacy in 2000 and 2001.

The lowest-ranking cars in the surveys were the Vauxhall Frontera in 1994, Ford Escort in 1995, Lada Samara in both 1996 and 1997, Vauxhall Vectra in 1998, Ford Galaxy in 1999 and the Vauxhall Sintra in 2000 and 2001. In 1998, Škoda was rated as the most satisfying brand of car in the survey and these findings made the headlines—just a few years earlier, the brand had been the butt of many jokes about the sub-standard design and quality of earlier cars. The Japanese manufacturers—particularly Subaru , Toyota , Honda and Mazda —also received high ratings in Top Gear surveys. Similar praise went to BMW , Hyundai , Kia , Mitsubishi , Nissan and Volvo . In contrast, many marques received heavy criticism in the surveys—particularly Lada , Fiat , Vauxhall , Peugeot , Ford and Alfa Romeo . Compact Disc Releases Top Gear Classics - Turbo (1995). 1 CD. 17 Tracks. Top Gear Classics - Baroque Busters (1995). 1 CD.

Top Gear Classics - Open Top Opera (1995). 1 CD. Top Gear Classics - Motoring Moods (1995). 1 CD. VHS Releases 1994 - Super Cars. Presented By Jeremy Clarkson And Tiff Needell (62 min). 1994 - Classic Cars. Presented By Quentin Willson (65 min). 1997 - Fast & Furious. Presented By Jeremy Clarkson And Tiff Needell (77 min). 1998 - Classic Cars: Aston Martin. Presented By Jeremy Clarkson (45 min). 1998 - Classic Cars: Porsche. Presented By Tiff Needell (45 min). 1998 - Classic Cars: Ferrari. Presented By Chris Goffey (45 min). 1998 - Classic Cars: Jaguar. Presented By Quentin Willson (45 min). 1999 - Top Gear: 21 Years. Presented By Kate Humble, preproduction/promotional release (29 min). 2000 - Fast & Furious II. Presented By Tiff Needell, With Clarkson, Willson And Butler-Henderson (72 min). See also

Question: Which current BBC TV programme was first shown in 1977 with Angela Rippon and Tom Coyne as its original presenters?
Answer: Top Gear